WASHINGTON (August 20, 2013) —The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) today announced that it is accepting nominations for the 2013 National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards competition. The program celebrates and recognizes the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment in advancing the minority business community.

“The MED Week awards were created to recognize individuals and firms who exemplify entrepreneurial innovation and a commitment to creating jobs and keeping our nation competitive in the global economy,” said David A. Hinson, MBDA National Director. “With nearly six million minority-owned businesses across the United States, we know there is potential for a robust slate of candidates to choose from. We look forward to the opportunity to shine a light on some of these outstanding business leaders.”

Award categories include minority-owned firms and champions of minority business development, each with four specific awards. Nominations are also being solicited for the Abe Venable Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement, which recognizes an individual who has played an integral role in the progress of minority business development over the course of his/her life,and the Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have achieved significant results in expanding minority business enterprises and demonstrated exceptional leadership in the public or private sector.

MBDA encourages nominations from chambers of commerce, business and trade associations, prime contractors, federal, state and local government agencies, and individual business owners.

Nomination packets for this competition must be postmarked by Sept. 20, 2013. The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC, later this year.

For more information on the categories, sub-categories and general submission instructions, please visit http://medweek.mbda.gov/.